On behalf of the National Governors Association (NGA), we would like to offer our support for the nomination of Brock Long to serve as Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Emergency management is a shared responsibility among states, locals, and federal officials. Governors recognize the need for a strong FEMA Administrator who respects the role and authority of states in disasters and encourages a collaborative approach to emergency management. We view Mr. Long’s nomination as a reflection of this sentiment and a commitment to ensure states remain active, full-fledged partners with the federal government in emergency management efforts.

Mr. Long’s decades of experience in emergency management in the state, federal, and private sectors make him uniquely suited to fill the role of FEMA Administrator. During his tenure as emergency manager for the State of Alabama, Mr. Long served as the State Coordinating Officer for 14 disasters, eight of which were presidential-declared events. This diverse experience will help to ensure that FEMA continues to foster an all-hazards, whole community approach to emergency management. We are hopeful that Mr. Long will continue to advance progress at FEMA and ensure that it is an organization capable of meeting 21st century threats and hazards.

We stand ready to assist the new administrator upon confirmation. We hope that you can confirm Mr. Long as FEMA Administrator quickly to ensure that FEMA has the necessary leadership in place as hurricane and wildfire season approaches.